Rodri out for the season, Arsenal injury worry – The big stories from today’s press conferences

There has been some big news from today’s Premier League press conferences. Here’s a round up of the big stories to come out today…

Rodri out for the season

Pep Guardiola confirmed the worst following Rodri’s injury against Arsenal, with the Ballon D’Or contender set to miss the rest of the season.

He said: “Next season he will be here. This season is over. It is what it is.

“Unfortunately, we got the worst [news] but it is what it is at this level. Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens. We are just there to support him and [help him make a] good recovery, step by step, and move forward.

“What he gives us, we don’t have a similar player but the other players altogether can replace what Rodri has given since arriving here with us.”

Arteta waiting on Raya but Timber and White should be available

Mikel Arteta says he has not yet decided whether goalkeeper David Raya will be available to face Leicester City tomorrow.

On whether Raya will be available, Arteta said: “We have to wait another 24 hours. It’s not about a risk, it’s about a player being fit and available or not. When we have that clarity for Leicester, which is the main thing we’re thinking about at the moment, we will make that decision tomorrow.”

But the update on Timber and White was more positive: “Jurrien was able to take part in training today, that’s good news, so he’ll be available in the squad. Hopefully Ben too.”

Arteta is also hoping to have Mikel Merino back available in the near future, but not for the game against Leicester: “Tomorrow is too soon. Next week we’ll see. He had partial training today. He’s been working so hard. It’s looking good. It’s about the healing of the bone and how mature that is to expose him to contact basically.”

And on Tomiyasu: “He had a partial training today and he looked good. Again, he’s probably a little bit behind Mikel but we don’t know with Tomi because he’s another one that pushes every day, but he’s in a good place now I think.”

Postecoglou optimistic on Son fitness

Heung-Min Son went off injured in Tottenham’s Europa League win over Qarabag on Thursday but Postecoglou is hoping he will be available to face Man Utd on Sunday. “Apart from Sonny everybody is okay and I don’t think it’s too bad. He wants to train tomorrow and we will see how it goes and make a decision from there.

“We have another day up our sleeve to give him every chance. I don’t always have the final say but certainly I like to think my input is significant on it. But yeah look I think it is part of a broader discussion around Sonny but the way he is performing and leading the club at the moment, I certainly want him to stick around for a while.”

Alisson set for Liverpool return

Goalkeeper Alisson has missed the last two games for Liverpool through injury but boss Arne Slot is optimistic that he will be able to return for the game against Wolves. “We think he is (ready to return). He trained with the group yesterday,” Slot said.

Lavia back for Chelsea

Romeo Lavia’s frustrating time at Chelsea has continued this season. He missed almost the entirety of the last campaign through injury and after a promising start this season, has missed the last four Premier League games.

But Enzo Maresca says he is available once again to face Brighton. “Romeo is available for tomorrow. The only one who isn’t available is Reece [James].”

On whether Lavia is fit enough to start, Maresca added: “We will see. We will see. We have one more session and then we will decide, but the important is that he is finally back.”

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